Hogan first took to the ring in 1977, but now is longer listed as a WWE alumni or hall of famer, while Hulk Hogan merchandise has been withdrawn in the fall-out of the controversy. He has also been removed from the official website.

"Eight years ago I used offensive language during a conversation. It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologize for having done it,” Hogan said in a statement exclusively to PEOPLE.

“This is not who I am. I believe very strongly that every person in the world is important and should not be treated differently based on race, gender, orientation, religious beliefs or otherwise. I am disappointed with myself that I used language that is offensive and inconsistent with my own beliefs.”